At its recent celebrations for the 120th anniversary of the founding of Rotary

International, Kiama Rotary Club took the opportunity to recognise the extraordinary

service of two of its members who have both clocked up over 50 years of Rotary

Service.

David Russell and Peter Maitland were called forward to receive certificates of

congratulations prepared by the President of Rotary International, Stephanie

Urchick, on this unique and wonderful achievement. The RI President stated that

their continued dedication to Rotary and its ideals “was an inspiration” and that their

enthusiasm would “encourage members to new heights of service”.

President Phillip Whyte said he was delighted to present the certificates to Peter and

David, stating that their service showed a strong commitment to “Service above

Self” and to the local communities in which they and their families have lived

throughout their Rotary service.

David Russell has been with Rotary for over 52 years, starting in Bathurst East Club

in 1972 and moved to Kiama Rotary 11 years ago. His Rotary journey began with a

Rotary Foundation Scholarship from the Sydney District Rotary Clubs, allowing him

to study at the University of Tokyo. Upon returning to Australia, he joined Rotary in

Bathurst, driven by a commitment to its youth programs.

Throughout his membership in Rotary, David has been strongly supported by his

wife Joan. He has held various executive positions, including President of the

Bathurst East Club. At the Kiama Club, he supports various youth projects such as

the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), the Rotary Youth Program of

Enrichment (RYPEN), and the annual National Youth Science Forums (NYSF),

where year 12 students are introduced to various science-related careers. David has

established connections with Kiama High School to find ways for Rotary to assist

local youth.

For his commitment to Rotary, David has received three Paul Harris Awards, the

highest awards made by his clubs, two in Bathurst and one by the Kiama Club.

Upon receiving the certificate from Kiama President Phil Whyte, David stated:

“Serving my community is a very rewarding experience.”

Peter Maitland joined Dee Why Rotary Club in 1975, serving in another eight clubs

throughout his Rotary life. He was a member at Inverell East, Corowa, Laurieton,

Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu), Casino, Umina, and Kiama while furthering his education

Career.

He has served twice as President of the Espiritu Santo club and once at Kiama. He

has supported international Rotary projects in PNG, East Timor, Vanuatu, Thailand,

and a Rheumatic Heart Disease reduction project in Arnhem Land initiated by Kiama

Rotary.

Peter undertook a Rotary Friendship Exchange to India/Kashmir in 1988 and has

served on Rotary International Committees, including ROMAC, the medical aid

program assisting youth with injuries or disabilities in South Pacific countries.

Peter has been acknowledged with three Paul Harris Fellowships for his extensive

Rotary involvement: once for his international service in Vanuatu and two more in

Kiama for his youth and international service. In the wider community, Peter as

served 58 years as a JP.

His wife, Helen, supports him in Rotary activities and has accompanied him on

many of the international and regional projects.

On receiving his certificate, Peter stated: “It is an honour to be a Rotarian, and as an

educator, I have endeavoured to live my life according to the Rotary 4 Way Test.”

In presenting their certificates, President Phil Whyte congratulated both David and

Peter for their commitment to Rotary and to our community.